Financial Aid Advisor II

Location: Owings Mills

The Financial Aid Advisor II is responsible for providing direct service to students and their families in regard to the financial aid process and advises them in all phases of the financial aid application and delivery system. This position will evaluate financial aid applications and determine aid packages in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies governing financial aid.

Education/Experience

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization.

* Two years of professional full-time experience in financial aid

* Experience with personal computers using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) software.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

* Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs.

* Knowledge of Title IV program fund regulations.

* Knowledge of U.S. Department of Education rules and regulations.

* Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

* Skilled in researching regulatory information and resolving complex financial questions.

* Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

* Ability to prioritize and manage a significant caseload.

* Ability to interpret and explain regulatory information related to the financial aid process.

* Ability to diffuse and respond professionally to stressful situations and difficult people.

* Ability to provide professional customer service.

* Adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards to maintain data confidentiality and integrity.

* Ability to work independently to complete assignments.

* Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

* Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.

* Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.

Physical Requirements

Light work:
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Position requires sitting for long periods of time in front of a computer and may require additional hours during peak times. Sedentary work. Keyboarding, talking, hearing, repetitive motions. Close visual acuity. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Essential Functions

* Provide financial aid counseling and front-line customer service to current and prospective students, parents, and staff families by phone, in person, chat, and email with the goal of delivering exceptional service.

* Advise students and parents about options and opportunities to pay for college. Answer questions concerning financial aid, scholarships, and work study including benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, policies and procedures, deadlines, loan information and requirements, and the impact of taking out student loans.

* Apply customer service skills, knowledge, advocacy, and professional judgment to address simple and complex situations; ensure stakeholder financial aid needs are served in a timely manner and a positive experience. Make necessary referrals to other student services offices.

* Conduct needs analysis, interpret, apply, and explain complex regulations in compliance with federal criteria to determine the relative eligibility of each financial aid applicant to award federal student aid.

* Assure compliance with Title IV Federal regulations in addition to state regulations in regards to delivery of funds to students.

* Conduct verification of student and parent application data in compliance with federal criteria. Verify the accuracy of information provided on applications for federal and/or state aid programs.

* Guide student through the submission process for professional judgment exceptions, appeals and petitions in accordance with federal statutes. Provide support to students experiencing family, personal or economic crises which may impact academic performance.

* Correspond with students in writing, in person or by phone regarding outstanding documents necessary to complete the financial aid application process.

* Process and maintain student documentation via the electronic document imaging system.

* Conduct financial aid presentations on and off campus.

* Stay current on financial aid rules and procedures. Recommend changes to processes to create improvements.

* Attend professional conferences, trainings, and meetings related to enrollment management, billing, and financial aid.

Reports To Director, Financial Aid Quick Link for Posting